Endocrine System Questions Related

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Regarding carbohydrate metabolism:

  • A. glucokinase is increased in starvation
  • B. the breakdown of glycogen is called glycolysis
  • C. the direct oxidative pathway involves the breakdown of glucose through triose
  • D. the conversion of pyruvate to acetyl-CoA is irreversible
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Correct Answer: D - The conversion of pyruvate to acetyl-CoA is irreversible because it is catalyzed by the enzyme pyruvate dehydrogenase. This step is a key regulatory point in carbohydrate metabolism as it commits pyruvate to enter the citric acid cycle for further energy production. Reversing this step would disrupt the normal flow of metabolic pathways.

Summary of other choices:
A: Glucokinase is not increased in starvation; it regulates glucose uptake in the liver.
B: The breakdown of glycogen is called glycogenolysis, not glycolysis which is the breakdown of glucose.
C: The direct oxidative pathway involves the breakdown of glucose through glycolysis, not triose.